Early Language & Communication Support Worker

LB Barking and Dagenham; Padham's Green; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Barking & Dagenham is seeking a Best Start Inclusion Early Language and Communication Support Worker to help children aged 0 to 5 develop speech, language and communication skills. You will work with families across Barking and Dagenham, delivering evidence-based programmes and practical support to promote school readiness.

You will lead Peep programmes, deliver group sessions, and provide one-to-one support in a predominantly face-to-face community role.

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in Early Years, Child Development, Education, SEND, Health, Social Care or a related field.
• Ability to travel across Barking and Dagenham to deliver services and community-based programmes.
• Willingness to undertake Peeple Practitioner accreditation within the first three months of employment.
• Commitment to safeguarding children and identifying and escalating concerns in line with local safeguarding procedures.
• Commitment to maintaining accurate records and working in accordance with GDPR, information governance and confidentiality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Deliver evidence-based early intervention programmes and practical support to families.
• Lead community-based Peep programmes and facilitate group sessions.
• Provide one-to-one support to families and help create positive home learning environments.

Education

Level 3 qualification in Early Years, Child Development, Education, SEND, Health, Social Care or a related field

Job description

Best Start Inclusion Early Language & Communication Support Worker

Ref: COMM00364

Contract Type: Fixed Term - 28 Months

Salary: £36,693

?About this job

As a Best Start Early Language and Communication Support Worker, you will play a key role in helping children aged 0 to 5 develop the speech, language and communication skills they need to thrive. Working as part of the Best Start multidisciplinary Inclusion Team, you will deliver evidence-based early intervention programmes and practical support to families across Barking and Dagenham.

You will lead the delivery of community-based Peep programmes, facilitate group sessions, provide one-to-one support to families and help create positive home learning environments that promote communication, confidence, independence and school readiness. Working in partnership with Family Hubs, early years settings, schools, health professionals and community organisations, you will support children and families to achieve improved outcomes through inclusive and preventative approaches.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about early childhood development and wants to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families within their local community.

Special requirements for this post

• Ability to travel across Barking and Dagenham to deliver services and community-based programmes in a range of settings.
• Ability to work in a predominantly face-to-face community role, including delivering group programmes and family support sessions across the borough.
• Willingness to undertake Peeple Practitioner accreditation within the first three months of employment and deliver programmes in accordance with the accredited model.
• Commitment to safeguarding children and identifying and escalating concerns in line with local safeguarding procedures.
• Commitment to maintaining accurate records and working in accordance with GDPR, information governance and confidentiality requirements.

About you

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual who is passionate about improving outcomes for young children and families. You will have experience of working with children, families or communities and understand the importance of early intervention in supporting speech, language and communication development.

You will be able to engage and motivate families, build positive relationships with professionals and partner organisations, and deliver activities that are inclusive, creative and responsive to the needs of children and families. You will have an understanding of child development, the importance of play and the home learning environment, and the key factors that support nursery and school readiness.

Ideally, you will hold a Level 3 qualification in Early Years, Child Development, Education, SEND, Health, Social Care or a related field, or have equivalent relevant experience. You will be organised, able to maintain accurate records and outcome data, confident using Microsoft Office applications, and committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Most importantly, you will be passionate about helping children develop the skills, confidence and foundations they need for a successful future.

About us

Barking & Dagenham is changing. It Starts Here.

Think you know Barking and Dagenham? Think again. While this small corner of east London might have a reputation for needing development, scratch beneath the surface and you'll find active communities and a place that consistently punches above its weight. The borough is changing - and changing for the better. And It Starts Here.

Yes, the borough has its challenges. But it's on the cusp of something exciting. With one of the youngest populations in the country, ambitions are high and rightly so. 98% of our schools are rated Good or Outstanding and every year more of our talented teenagers get into Russell Group Universities and hotly sought after apprenticeship schemes.

We have award winning parks, centuries old manor houses full of relics and artifacts you can go and see, and the ruins of one of Anglo-Saxon England's most powerful and wealthiest religious sites. We're even bringing beavers and white storks to the borough to help rewild the local landscape and boost biodiversity.

Over the past few years, we've been working hard to improve how we deliver services and support our community. From tackling inequality to making sure our services are the best they can be, we're focused on what matters most to local people.

We're creating the conditions for people to thrive - so everyone can enjoy a good quality of life, feel proud to call this place home, and be part of something bigger.

- with our streets, our schools, our neighbourhoods. And with your application to join our determined team who are passionate about doing what's best for the future of Barking and Dagenham.

As an Investors in People Gold Award employer, we're serious about supporting our staff. From flexible working, professional training and career development to wellbeing initiatives, we want our people to feel valued and supported in everything they do.

Additional Information

We're committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or support at any stage, please contact the Hiring Manager to discuss your needs.

Interview date (Week Commencing): 02/11/2026

Closing date: 08/10/2026